New city-friendly electric car stays true to the 2017 Urban EV concept, but adds a dose of practicality thanks to a set of neatly-integrated rear doors.

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The Honda e Prototype, based on the 2017 Urban EV concept, has been revealed overnight, previewing the company's first mass-market electric vehicle for buyers outside of China.

Aside from the black patch on the bonnet, the design is refreshingly minimalist, and devoid of any sporty pretensions.

The minimalist ethos is carried over into the cabin, which features five screens: two infotainment displays in the centre, configurable instruments ahead of the driver, and two smaller units on either side connected to the wing mirror cameras.

According to Honda, the interior was designed to have a "lounge-like feel", and includes melange-style sofa fabric for the seats. There's also a wood-like trim on the dashboard top and around the transmission controls.

The cabin is kitted out with climate control, a heated two-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, a camera-based rear view mirror, two 230V ports, a 12V outlet, two USB ports and an HDMI connector.

Honda says the e Prototype has a range of over 200 kilometres, while a fast changer can top the battery up to 80 per cent within 30 minutes.

The company is presumably holding back most of the details about the car's drivetrain for its in-the-flesh debut in Geneva. It promises the car will provide a "fun and emotive experience" as the electric motor drives the rear wheels.

If Honda sticks to its usual game plan, the e Prototype will be put into production largely unchanged. Spy photos taken late last year show the production version will retain the pop-out door handles, frameless windows, and side camera setup.

Production of the Honda e, or whatever it will be called, is due to begin later this year.

Australia

"There are still no plans for Australia," according to Honda's local arm. Boo!